In a major move set to elevate Thailand’s role in global aerospace, Thai Airways International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kansas Modification Center (KMC) to launch a Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme. This initiative marks the first of its kind in both Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region.
According to Thai Airways, the conversions will be carried out at the airline’s existing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities at Don Mueang Airport and within the strategically important Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The agreement was formally signed by Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airways, and James Allen Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer of KMC.
Strategic Positioning in a Growing Market
This partnership places Thai Airways in a key position within the rapidly growing freighter conversion market, where demand is accelerating in line with global e-commerce and cargo logistics growth. According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo demand surged by 10.3% year-on-year in March 2024, marking the fourth straight month of double-digit growth. With increasing volumes of cross-border e-commerce, high-tech goods, and time-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments, the need for large-capacity, long-range freighter aircraft is stronger than ever.
KMC’s Growing Global Footprint
KMC, one of only three current providers of 777-300ER P2F conversions—alongside Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Mammoth Freighters—continues to expand its global presence. In April 2024, the Kansas-based company announced a new collaboration with Stratos Industries and Integrated Aerospace Alliance to establish a second 777 conversion facility at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco.
The company’s conversion programme has been developing steadily since April 2022, when Backbone Freighter Leasing became its launch customer. In collaboration with Wichita State University and NIAR Werx, KMC has been working toward achieving FAA certification. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration formally accepted the company’s certification plan in May 2023, with full approval of the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) expected by early 2025.
Competitive Landscape
While Thai Airways and KMC make headlines in Southeast Asia, other players continue to advance in parallel. Mammoth Freighters, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has been converting its own 777-300ER aircraft in partnership with Aspire MRO. The first cargo door was cut in August 2024, and the main cargo door was installed by February 2025. Qatar Airways Cargo recently became the launch customer for Mammoth’s 777-200LR programme, with an order for five aircraft.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) also remains a key competitor. In 2023, the company completed the first conversion of a 777-300ERSF for AerCap, with the aircraft’s maiden flight taking place in March of that year.
A New Era for Thai Aerospace
With this agreement, Thai Airways is not only expanding its capabilities but also helping position Thailand as a regional hub for high-value aerospace activities. The P2F conversion programme taps into the airline’s existing MRO infrastructure and aligns with national goals to promote aerospace innovation in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
The collaboration with KMC signals a broader industry shift toward decentralizing conversion operations beyond traditional aviation centers, providing new opportunities for investment, training, and technology transfer in emerging aerospace markets.
